As the MLB season progresses, fantasy baseball players are turning their attention to the waiver wire, and one name that stands out is Moisés Ballesteros of the Cubs. With the upcoming week’s matchups, he’s poised to be a top pickup option thanks to a favorable schedule that could see him thrive against a series of right-handed pitchers.
The Cubs are set to face six right-handed starters in their next seven games, including notable pitchers like Chase Petty and Andrew Abbott. This lineup could offer Ballesteros ample opportunities to showcase his skills. With a solid plate discipline reflected in an impressive 80.2% contact rate and a low 9.9% swinging-strike rate, he’s an asset for those in on-base and points leagues.
Ballesteros has also demonstrated noteworthy power, boasting an 8% barrel rate per plate appearance and an average exit velocity of 101.1 mph. His ability to improve his launch angle—shifting his groundball rate from 62.2% in 2025 to 43.1% in 2026—suggests he has the potential for increased home run production. Fantasy managers should be keen on Ballesteros, especially as he’s been batting in the heart of the Cubs’ lineup.
Meanwhile, other teams are also worth watching for streaming options. The Orioles face a challenging slate with right-handed pitchers, including Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez. Dylan Beavers stands out as a notable option for those in need of a strong-side platoon player.
For the Red Sox, caution is advised with right-handed hitters as they are scheduled to face four right-handed starters. Jarren Duran and Marcelo Mayer may not be ideal choices in weekly leagues due to this matchup.
The Guardians and Royals are also facing predominantly right-handed pitching, with players like Travis Bazzana and Michael Massey being potential streaming options. Similarly, the Marlins, who will encounter underwhelming pitching from the Orioles and Nationals, could see players like Cade Cavalli benefit from favorable matchups.
In addition to Ballesteros, fantasy managers should consider adding players like Bryson Stott of the Phillies, who has shown an uptick in power and stolen base opportunities. Stott’s aggressive approach has led to a higher pull rate and a successful stolen base conversion rate, making him a valuable asset for the week.
As the waiver wire heats up, keep an eye on these players and their matchups to maximize your fantasy baseball potential in the coming week.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
CHW
DET
CIN
NYY
TOR
CHC
SD
TEX
SF
MIA
WSH
TB
MIL
ATL
NYM
PHI
CLE
HOU
PIT
COL
LAA
OAK
BAL
LAD
MIN
ARI
BOS
SEA
STL
KC